Author's note:

I started this story about four years ago, but unfortunatly, the writing was horrid (and I hate to say that the main character ended up being a Sue, as much as I tried to avoid that happening) and this is a total re-write.

Disclaimer: Tolkien OWNS Arda and all that there is within.

II 3430

Sunlight filtered through the fruit trees in the Palace Garden, accenting the fountain in a most beautiful manner. On the fountain's ledge sat a woman, an Elf, and though a book was laid open on her silken clad lap, her attention was elsewhere.

A company of Elves from Imladris, Lothlorien, Mithlond, and Hollin had arrived a few days ago in order to take part in her father's War Councils. As Princess and heir to the throne of Lindon, Gildern was privy to most of what was taking place in the Councils, though she had little interest in the proceedings. Instead, her attention was usually placed upon another young Elf, of about her same age. He was possibly the most beautiful, and most proud being she had ever seen.

She was watching him, now, as he walked through the Gardens behind his Lord, Celeborn, and Gil-Galad. They were slowly walking towards her, and she waited patiently for her father to walk by and address her. Perhaps she could finally be officially introduced to the young Elf that had caught her eye.

"Gildern!" Gil-Galad called merrily as he and his company grew closer to the fountain, "Why do you sit alone when there is such great company to be had?"

Gildern stood gracefully and bowed low, "There is no such great company as yourself, my Lord," Gildern laughed, "And now I am blessed indeed, for you are here."

Gil-Galad laughed, too, "Daughter, you please me more than you could ever know," he paused, "Lord Celeborn, would you say that Gildern has grown much since you last saw her?"

"She has," Celeborn said, "She will be a very tall and great lady, I think."

"Thank you, Lord Celeborn," Gildern bowed, "How are today's councils?"

"They are progressing at a respectable pace, my Lady, and much has been accomplished since our arrival. I believe that soon we shall all be in agreement as to our course of actions in this war."

"That is good news."

Gil-Galad bent over and whispered something in Celeborn's ear, and Celeborn turned to look at the young elf behind them, and then back at Gil-Galad, unsure of what his motives were. Gil-Galad finally convinced him, and Celeborn waved for Haldir to step up.

"My Lady, might I introduce you to Haldir?"Celeborn said, "He has been quite useful in these negotiations, though I am afraid that he has been bored with running the errands of lazy folk."

Oranius, Haldir's father and the chief march warden of Lorien, joined the small company then and put a hand upon his son's shoulder. "What would you have my son do, then, Lord?" he asked, as if in jest, "He is suited for nothing better. The actual proceedings of the councils would be above his...innocent, understandings." Blood rushed into Haldir's face, unnerving Gildern to see the proud Elf blush.

Gildern smiled softly at the young Elf, understanding completely, "I find that almost everything that is said in the council chambers to be above my understanding. It is not for the lack of being learned, however, but rather the lack of interest. I have seen no lack of interest in your son, and I find him to be rather intelligent beyond his age. Innocence is nothing to be ashamed of, instead it should be sought after."

Oranius seemed taken aback by her speech, and bowed low. Haldir, however, despite the immense courtesy Gildern paid him, glared at her. "Your daughter is wise beyond her years," Oranius said, "She will be a great leader one day."

Gil-Galad and Celeborn made to agree with him, but Gildern quickly responded, "Let us hope and pray to the Valar that I shall never be the leader of my father's people."

"Will you show Haldir the rest of the Gardens, Gildern? Celeborn, Oranius, and I must talk some, before returning to the Council chambers."

"Yes, father. Lord Celeborn, where is Celebrian? I have not seen her since you arrived!"

"Her mother has been keeping her occupied with her studies. She will be free tomorrow, though. I will see to it personally."

Celeborn and Gildern bowed to each other, and then Celeborn, Oranius and Gil-Galad walked off to the more secluded areas of the Gardens, leaving Gildern alone with the proud Haldir. They stood stiffly opposite each other, for a few minutes, before Gildern snapped her book shut and held out her hand in friendship. Haldir took it and kissed it, but Gildern drew it away.

"No," she said firmly.

"But-"

"No. I cannot abide that sort of behavior. I am no better than anyone here, so why must I be treated differently? You can either shake my hand in friendship or nothing at all."

Haldir looked uncomfortable with the idea, but awkwardly held out his hand in accord. Gildern grasped it and shook his hand firmly before taking advantage of the situation and drug him through-out the Gardens. Finally they stopped in a patio, with two lounges set up opposite each other. There were fruit trees surrounding the patio, and several flowering plants at the base of the trees.

"Where is this?" Haldir asked.

"This is my garden. I planted everything in this section. I spend most of my time here, when I'm not playing heir. It is relaxing. Up at the palace I have to act like a princess, but it is here that I feel like one. Is that so strange?"

Haldir shrugged, "I would not know."

"Is your father always so mean in his opinion of you?"

"My father has a very high opinion of me, and I am honoured that he thinks me mature enough to attend some of the councils."

"I am nowhere near mature enough, yet I have to attend some of them. I find them quite a bore."

Haldir smiled, "You do not want to rule?"

"No. I would rather be free and wild. My father understands, but...I also understand that I have to be strong and learn certain things, so that...when the time comes, I may be ready to lead my people. He gives me certain liberties, and I give him my obedience."

"You love him very much."

"More than life itself."

"I wish I had that."

"What, love?"

Haldir turned away, "It is getting late."

"Gildern!"

Gildern paled and shrank away, "I am not here," she told Haldir, "Please tell him I am-"

Another young Elf came into the patio, "Gildern, there you are!" He was tall, and his face was beautiful, though his eyes were deadly and his features were sharp like a hawk's.

"My Lord," Gildern said, silently wishing herself invisible. "What a surprise."